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Bristol

Bristol - 403 (1953)

Discover the timeless elegance of the 1953 Bristol 403 – the classic British super‑coach that still captures the imagination of collectors and driving enthusiasts alike. Even though the car first rolled out in 1953, its distinctive styling, understated luxury and pot‑of‑gold performance translate into a very particular price context today. While the used Bristol 403 price varies by condition, location and provenance, the average market gauge gives you a useful benchmark for what you can expect when you begin researching a purchase.

  • Model year: 1953
  • Engine: 4.0 L (4,023 cc) straight‑six gasoline
  • Power: 170 hp at 4,300 rpm (claimed 135 hp for the 1953 model)
  • Torque: 190 lb‑ft at 2,700 rpm
  • Transmission: 4‑speed manual with hydraulic clutch
  • Drive: Front‑wheel drive
  • Accelerations: 0‑60 mph in ~11.5 seconds (reported by enthusiast forums)
  • Top speed: 93 mph (215 km/h)
  • Dimensions: Length 161 in. (4,089 mm), Width 66 in. (1,677 mm), Height 56 in. (1,423 mm)
  • Wheelbase: 113 in. (2,870 mm)
  • Weight: Approximately 3,400 lb. (1,542 kg) unloaded
  • Fuel type: Regular gasoline
  • Fuel consumption: Around 20 mph (12–16 mpg city, 25 mpg highway) noted in owner reports
  • Exterior finish: Classic low‑roof, wrap‑around fender styling with white sidewalls and only a few white stripe accents
  • Interior: High‑quality leather seating, chrome trim, manual dual‑speed steering wheel, and a four‑speed gearbox lever
  • Safety features: Basic for its era: front dampers, manual steering, optional electric horn, and a bifurcated rear axle with hydraulic brakes on all wheels
  • Body style: Mid‑size luxury two‑seater coupe (the parent model of the later高-end 404)
  • Notable improvements in 1953: Lowered front axle for improved handling; updated interior dashboard with better gauges; and a subtle revision of the boot area for added practicality.

The 1953 model variation to focus on is that it carried Bristol’s “Iron Curtain” cabin panel design – a bold, boxy aesthetic that remains highly sought after among collectors. That same design language was presented in the Bristol 403 1953 price ranges that typically fluctuate between £18,000 and £45,000 in the UK, depending heavily on mileage, overall condition, and original paint job.

Depreciation Insight: How the Bristol 403 depreciation Curve Looks

Understanding how a classic like the 1953 Bristol 403 depreciates is key when planning a budget or simply trying to gauge its intrinsic value over time.